8 Best Plants to Grow as Microgreens
- Arugula Arugula is a great plant to pick for growing microgreens. ...
- Basil If you like the flavor of basil, basil microgreens are an excellent way to get all of the wonderful basil flavor you love, as well as four to five times the nutrients that you get from fully mature basil plants. ...
- Kale ...
- Lettuce ...
- Mustard ...
- Peas ...
- Spinach ...
- Watercress ...
Full Answer
Can anything be a microgreen?
Any plant that you would eat in its fully grown version is a viable option for eating as a microgreen. You can have micro-basil, micro-fennel, micro-arugula, micro-spinach, and so on. The flavor is usually very intense and slightly sweet, with shades of the flavors you'll find in the adult plant.
What is the best thing to grow microgreens in?
Use potting compost or coconut coir to grow microgreens. Try to scatter the seeds evenly, and don't sow them really thickly. Keep the compost moist, but don't overwater – especially if your container doesn't have drainage holes. Grow your microgreens on a sunny windowsill.
What plants are considered micro greens?
Different Types of Microgreens Brassicaceae family: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish and arugula. Asteraceae family: Lettuce, endive, chicory and radicchio. Apiaceae family: Dill, carrot, fennel and celery. Amaryllidaceae family: Garlic, onion, leek.
What is the easiest microgreens to grow?
7 Easiest Microgreens to GrowPea Shoots.Sunflower Shoots.Radish Shoots.Micro Broccoli.Micro Kale.Micro Arugula.Microgreen Mix.
What is the healthiest microgreen?
Pea shoots are one of the healthiest types of microgreens, which is why we like to include them in our Seasonal Microgreens Seed Club from time to time.
Are microgreens a waste of seeds?
Admittedly microgreens do require quite a lot of seed, which gets densely sown into trays. Microgreens use a lot more seed than you'd ever use in a field-based system. So on the surface this can seem like a huge waste. That is a reality of microgreens production.
Which microgreens should not be eaten?
Microgreens are TCS Safe You eat only the leaf and stem, not the root and seed. The potential for bacteria growth is much smaller in microgreens. Microgreens are TCS safe.
What microgreens are toxic?
Nightshade family plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers should not be grown and consumed as microgreens, since nightshade plant sprouts are poisonous. These sprouts contain toxic alkaloids such as solanine and tropanes, which can cause adverse symptoms in the digestive and nervous systems.
Do microgreens regrow after cutting?
Unfortunately, no, most microgreens won't grow back after cutting. The vast majority of plants won't grow back at all. A plant's seed usually only contains enough energy to get the first set of leaves up. So after the first round of microgreens, all of the energy stored in the seed is spent.
How much does a tray of microgreens cost?
Earning for one tray of microgreens The average selling price for microgreens is $25 – 40 per pound. As for each 1020 tray, the average yield is between 8 – 12 oz per harvest (7-14 days).
Do microgreens have more nutrients than sprouts?
Microgreens are often confused with sprouts, but there is a distinct difference. Compared to sprouts, microgreens have more nutritional value and a higher concentration of antioxidants. However, they also take longer to grow and are more challenging to harvest.
What vegetables are good for microgreens?
Some of the most popular varieties of microgreens include:Beets.Chard.Quinoa.Spinach.Chives.Garlic.Leeks.Onions.More items...•
Can you grow microgreens on paper towel?
Growing microgreens on paper towels is one of the easiest ways to start growing your own food. You don't need to have a green thumb or to buy expensive supplies. With just seeds, paper towels and water you can produce nutritious greens that make a great addition to any salad or smoothie.
How can I grow microgreens at home without soil?
Can You Grow Microgreens Without Soil?Pea Shoots.Hydroponic Grow Pad Made of Wood Fibers.Pouring Water In Plant Tray.Adding Grow Trays.Adding Hydroponic Grow Pads.Broccoli Seeds.Stacking Plant Trays.Cutting Microgreens Off The Grow Pad.More items...•
How do you grow microgreens indoors?
How to grow microgreens (in a nutshell)Soak seeds 6-8 hours, or according to package directions.Soak the growing mat with water, and place in a container or baking dish.Spread out the seeds.Cover and place near a window until the seeds sprout.Remove lid, and let grow until vibrant leaves appear.Water daily.
How do you grow microgreens indoor trays?
0:343:18How To Grow Microgreens Indoors (SEED to HARVEST) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a soil press or simply use another tray to press down the soil. And make a flat surfaceMoreYou can use a soil press or simply use another tray to press down the soil. And make a flat surface for your seeds spread your seeds out evenly across the tray.
What is the best plant to grow microgreens?
Arugula. Arugula is a great plant to pick for growing microgreens. Arugula’s zesty, slightly nutty flavor is a great way to spice up your salads and wraps, and you can have a harvestable crop of arugula microgreens in as little as 10 days time. Arugula greens are sometimes slightly bitter, and can pack a spicy punch as well, ...
How tall do microgreens grow?
Microgreens are harvested at an immature size, when the plants are just one to three inches tall, so you can even grow microgreens in an apartment on the windowsill or on a balcony or patio.
How long does it take for microgreens to sprout?
Microgreens are sprouting up everywhere from upscale restaurants to home gardens. They help spruce up old recipes with intense flavors and colors, and are packed with nutrients. Microgreens are typically seedlings of spinach, lettuce, red cabbage and other veggies that are usually 1-3 inches in height and harvested within 14 days of germination. They enhance … Continue reading
What does a pea microgreen taste like?
Pea microgreens are popular for their flavor, which tastes just like fully grown peas. As a result, pea microgreens are fresh and juicy. Their taste is so good that these microgreens are often eaten on their own instead of as a garnish or component of a meal.
What is mustard microgreens?
Mustard. Just like fully grown mustard, mustard microgreens have a spicy flavor that’s extremely distinctive. They’re also packed full of vitamins A and C, making both the microgreens and the fully grown greens nutritionally dense. Mustard microgreens have been part of Indian and Himalayan cuisine throughout history.
How tall do watercress plants grow?
Now you should be ready to choose which plants you’d like to grow as microgreens. Once your seedlings have reached one to three inches tall, simply snip them just above ground level and rinse them well before eating.
Is watercress a microgreen?
Watercress is popularly grown as a microgreen because these little greens are just so nutritious. Watercress even beats out kale when it comes to packing a nutritional punch. The microgreens that are grown from watercress have a peppery kick that makes them a great addition to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
What are the different types of microgreens?
The most popular varieties are produced using seeds from the following plant families ( 1 ): Brassicaceae family: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish and arugula.
How much higher are microgreens than mature greens?
In fact, research comparing microgreens to more mature greens reports that nutrient levels in microgreens can be up to nine times higher than those found in mature greens ( 5 ).
How long does it take for microgreens to grow?
Sprouts also have a much shorter growing cycle of 2–7 days, whereas microgreens are usually harvested 7–21 days after germination, once the plant’s first true leaves have emerged.
What does microgreens taste like?
Microgreens vary in taste, which can range from neutral to spicy, slightly sour or even bitter, depending on the variety. Generally speaking, their flavor is considered strong and concentrated.
How tall are microgreens?
Share on Pinterest. Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are approximately 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) tall. They have an aromatic flavor and concentrated nutrient content and come in a variety of colors and textures ( 1 ). Microgreens are considered baby plants, falling somewhere between a sprout and baby green.
What is a micro herb?
These aromatic greens, also known as micro herbs or vegetable confetti, are rich in flavor and add a welcome splash of color to a variety of dishes. Despite their small size, they pack a nutritional punch, often containing higher nutrient levels than more mature vegetable greens.
Can you mix microgreens with smoothies?
Microgreens may also be blended into smoothies or juiced. Wheatgrass juice is a popular example of a juiced microgreen.
How many types of microgreens are there?
There are many types of microgreens to choose from, such as arugula, basil, and cilantro. Each type of microgreen has a different flavor or texture that can be used in different ways.
What is a carrot microgreen?
Carrot microgreens are short, light, and feathery. Although they grow a little slower, everything turned out great at the end of the day. If you had been regrowing a carrot top, the leave and stem would look just like its microgreens.
What does fennel microgreen look like?
Fennel microgreens look pretty much like common lawn weeds with the stubborn seed hulls attached. It’s often used as a herb and food garnishing due to its anise-like aromatic flavor. In comparison to the mature fennel, fennel microgreen is more tender and succulent, but with a milder licorice flavor.
Do you need to soak buckwheat microgreens?
Buckwheat microgreens are delicious and healthy. It grows tall very fast, and you don’t even need to pre-soak them. I did soak them a couple hours for a better germination rate though, you can try your own way. One thing to note for buckwheat microgreen is their “poisonous” substance named fagopyrin.
Is microgreen broccoli good for you?
Broccoli microgreen is another popular choice to grow. Broccoli microgreens have a milder broccoli-taste, or bitterness, some say. The slightly bitter taste is due to the presence of a compound called sulforaphane. This compound is actually good for your health.
Is chickpea a microgreen?
Chickpea is one of the easiest microgreens to grow. It grows tall very fast, and you don’t really need to keep them for the blackout. Also, it’s almost a set-and-forget kind of microgreen. For harvesting, they are ready to harvest once reaching ~4 cm (1.6 inches) tall.
Is basil a microgreen?
Basil are popular types of microgreens to grow. There are many different varieties of basil, as shown in the picture above. Some tastes are strong and sweet, while the others are lemony and cinnamon-like. If you have grown basil before, you may notice the growth is a little slow.
What is the best microgreen to grow?
Cress is one of the more popular options among microgreens growers because they are easy, delicious and make any dish look 10 times better. Cress microgreens come in a variety of types and have a sweet, peppery flavor. They can be eaten raw or added to sandwiches as garnish or added to soups for extra flavor.
Where do microgreens come from?
Flax microgreens are grown from the seeds of flax plants.
What color are amaranth microgreens?
Amaranth microgreens are one of the more popular types to grow because they’re pretty simple and add a magical color to any dish.
What is celery microgreen?
Celery microgreens are a mild-flavored green that can be used in soups, sandwiches, or stir-fry. Celery is thought to aid digestion and protect against heart disease. Micro celery comes in a range of types including green and red.
What is a microgreen?
Beet microgreens are small, round greens that have a sweet and earthy flavor. The color can range from green to red depending on the types of beets used. Beets contain iron, which gives them the ability to grow in cold weather and is packed with nutrients that are good for you.
Is broccoli a microgreen?
Broccoli is a highly nutritious and vitamin-rich green that can be grown as a microgreen. Broccoli microgreens come in a variety of types including green and purple. It has a rich, nutty taste and aroma that can be used in stir-fries, sandwiches, or soups.
Can you grow microgreens in a trays?
You can even grow them yourself in trays – but which types should you choose?
How to grow microgreens?
While the natural sunlight available behind a window, on a balcony, or a small porch are generally enough to grow microgreens, it is possible to supplement the natural sunlight with a source of artificial lighting specifically developed for plant growth. Moreover, some species may be grown in a dark environment and do not require any light from sowing until harvest.
What is the best medium for microgreens?
A key element necessary to produce microgreens is the growing medium. The most popular media used are peat-based mixes, coconut coir, as well as mats constituted of natural (cotton, kenaf, hemp) or synthetic fibers (rockwool).
How to start microgreens seeds?
At this point, you can start seeding by evenly distributing the defined amount of microgreens seeds on the entire growing area of each tray. Most of the microgreen's seeds do not require any treatment. However, for some species characterized by larger seeds or by a hard seed shell the germination process may be accelerated if seeds are pre-soaked in water. Seeds can be soaked in water overnight for 8-12 hours. During this process it is beneficial to rinse the seeds in running water a couple of times to wash the seeds and let them get some oxygen.
How to keep seeds moist in a growing medium?
After filling or setting the trays with the growing medium, using a clean container without holes and filled with drinking water you can slowly wet the growing medium from the bottom, and once the medium is wet enough let the excess of water drain. The moisture of the medium will help small seeds to stick to the surface and will keep the seeds moist during the germination process.
What do you need to grow a sandbox?
The basic items you need are: 1 Seeds 2 Drinking water 3 Growing medium or mat 4 Growing containers or trays 5 A small kitchen scale or measuring cups 6 A spray bottles and a pitcher 7 A sharp knife or a pair of scissors
Do microgreens need special tools?
Microgreens production for self-consumption in a household does not require the use of any special tool and besides the seeds, you should be able to find everything you need at home or in any household-product store (Figure 1).
Can you grow microgreens in a balcony?
While the natural sunlight available behind a window, on a balcony, or a small porch are generally enough to grow microgreens, it is possible to supplement the natural sunlight with a source of artificial lighting specifically developed for plant growth.
What Are Microgreens And How Are They Grown?
Microgreens are not to be confused with sprouts, as they have a longer germination period and do not require full immersion in water to grow, unlike sprouts. Think of them as basically vegetable greens, they are much smaller compared to fully matured greens yet maintain a small size packed with nutrients.
What is the best way to grow microgreens?
Universal Methods For Growing Microgreens. All microgreens are grown using the same general methods such as soil or by the use of a hydroponic system. “Hydroponic, by definition, is a method of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution.
Why are microgreens so popular?
The fact that they can easily be used to garnish dishes or as an additive to smoothies, juices, and other blends makes them an easy go-to for many people. Microgreens can be easily grown in a home environment, which is another reason why they are so popular.
How many types of microgreens are there?
There are over 100 types of microgreens and wait for it . . . they are all highly nutritious! The reason there are so many is that microgreens can be grown from any type of herb or vegetable seed. They are all nutritious, however, some are more than others.
What are the nutrients in sunflower microgreens?
Sunflower microgreens are low in calories and they have a high content of Vitamins A, B, D and E. They also contain Beta-Caretone, Lutein, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Phosphorus. It is one of the best foods to add to your diet for overall health and wellbeing.
Do microgreens need water?
Microgreens are not to be confused with sprouts, as they have a longer germination period and do not require full immersion in water to grow, unlike sprouts. Think of them as basically vegetable greens, they are much smaller compared to fully matured greens yet maintain a small size packed with nutrients.
Is broccoli a microgreen?
If you or your child is one to fear the leafy green goodness of broccoli, fear no more! Broccoli microgreens are a lot less scary than their mature counterpart and provide the same nutritional value if not more. Broccoli microgreens have a milder taste compared to larger broccoli and are slightly bitter.
What microgreens can I grow indoors?
Most varieties of microgreens can grow indoors. In general dark leafy greens such as arugula, kale and spinach will do well in the light conditions found inside a home. Other popular types of microgreens that work well indoors include radish, broccoli, mizuna and mustard greens.
How long does it take to grow microgreens indoors?
Microgreens usually need about seven days before being ready for harvest, but they can be harvested every day or twice a week depending on what you are growing them into. How often you cut off their stem is up to you! The more frequent you snip, the shorter your growth time will be.
Can you grow microgreens without soil?
Microgreens can be grown without soil as they need little nutrients. As long as they have soil, water, light and a place to grow, they don’t need soil.
How long do microgreens last?
Microgreens are best eaten within about two weeks after being picked or harvested from your indoor garden. Many prefer to gather when things start getting crowded or just before harvest time is over.
Do I need a heat mat under my microgreens?
Most Microgreen crops grow well at lesser temperatures, so there is no requirement to put a heating mat or pads on after germination.
Do microgreens regrow after cutting?
Microgreens will regrow if they are cut often. The number of times microgreens will regrow depends on the variety but usually will be from 3 to 6 times.
What are the benefits of microgreens?
We all know eating vegetables is better for us than grabbing a candy bar in between meals, and microgreens provide so many more nutrients per calorie because they are much closer to their natural form. Plus, they’re easy-to-grow plants that don’t need as much space or time! How could you not grow them at home?
